Are you in the market for a new car, or trying to decide if now is the right time to buy? While car buying can be exciting, it can also feel overwhelming if you aren’t sure what you want or how much you can comfortably afford. To help you feel more confident and prepared, we’ve put together practical car‑buying tips, some of which are shared by Tracy, our Director of Lending, based on his experience helping members navigate the financing process. Keep reading to get organized and make smart decisions before you head to the dealership.
1. Create a Budget
The first step when making any big purchase is to answer the question: how much can you afford? Knowing this upfront gives you a realistic picture of where to begin your car-buying journey. While your dream car may tempt you, your budget will tell you whether it’s a smart choice. When creating your budget, look for ways to cut expenses, such as limiting your spending where you can. Also, don’t forget to include other car-related expenses, such as insurance, maintenance, and gas that goes along with car ownership.
2. Do Your Homework
Taking time to research before you buy is worth the effort. Research and compare market values for different vehicles, car dealerships, and prices to help you narrow down your choices. If it helps you, make a list of the features you want, what you can do without, and what features are a must-have. Look for incentives, discounts, and rebates that car dealerships offer to entice customers to buy. If special discounts aren't advertised, ask about them anyway.
Also, if you already own a car, consider trading it in and researching its value. Tracy recommends using tools like Kelly Blue Book, Cars.com, and TrueCar.com to get a realistic estimate of your tradie-in value before heading to the dealership.
3. Plan When to Buy
If you’re not in a rush, timing your purchase can work in your favor. Tracy explains, "If you're thinking of purchasing from a car dealership, most of them run promotions and sales multiple times a year. Once you review your budget and have a short list of vehicles that suit your needs, you may want to plan your purchase around those sales and promotional events."
4. Know Your Financing Options
If you plan to finance your vehicle, getting pre‑approved by your financial institution is a smart move. Having financing in place before visiting a dealership puts you in a stronger position to negotiate. It also helps keep the focus on the price of the car and not just the monthly payment.
Tracy also suggests holding off on discussing a trade‑in until you’re happy with the price of your new vehicle. This allows you to negotiate each part of the deal separately. Most importantly, understand your loan terms. A longer loan term may lower your monthly payment, while a shorter term could save you money on interest over time. The right choice depends on what fits comfortably into your budget.
5. Seal the Deal
Getting quotes from multiple dealerships can help you know whether you’re being offered a fair price. Letting dealers know you’re shopping around may also work to your advantage. Most importantly, don’t feel pressured to make a decision on the spot; taking your time is okay.
"When you're ready to seal the deal, we're here to help simplify the process," Tracy shares. "You can apply online or visit one of our locations to get started."
To buy, or not to buy? You may be skeptical about purchasing a car in today’s market, and rightfully so. However, with the right planning, a clear budget, and guidance from trusted experts, purchasing a vehicle doesn’t have to be stressful. By taking a thoughtful approach, you may find a way to save money and enjoy your new ride with confidence.
Meet Tracy, our Director of Lending. Tracy has been with AllSouth for over 15 years. He leads a high-performing team of local loan officers to deliver personalized service and lending options to help our members achieve their goals.